This a list of 10 Texas Panhandle breakout players to watch for the upcoming 2020 football season. Each player on this list is expected to make a bigger impact on their respective varsity team than last year or they are a promising up and comer.
Canadian quarterback Joshua Culwell [Photo by Alan Hale/ For Press Pass Sports]
Josh Culwell, Canadian, 6-foot-3, 185 pound, Sr. QB
Those who haven’t heard the name Josh Culwell will know it all too well this fall. Culwell suffered a setback with a foot injury last season that cost him most of the 2019 season. As a sophomore, he showed signs of promise as a wide receiver, defensive back and limited reps as the backup QB. Now it’s Culwell’s time to shine as the next QB in a long list of Canadian signal callers. At 6-foot-3, 185 pounds, the now senior is healthy and ready to show off his big arm and versatile ability.
Jack Studebaker, Pampa, 6-foot-3, 185 pounds, Sr. QB
Studabaker steps in as the next man up to lead Pampa’s pass-happy offense. Last season, the 6-foot-3 righty did a solid job in his relief appearances of former signal caller Tucker Bridwell, going 37-of-63 for 396 yards with three touchdown passes. Pampa head coach Greg Poynor raves about Studabaker’s poise and demeanor in the pocket, and adds he’s one of the smartest players he’s ever coached.
Avion Carter, 6-foot-4, Tascosa, 215 pounds, So. DE
Though he hasn’t taken a varsity snap Carter has potential written all over him. With strength and conditioning underway Monday, the sophomore will begin to make up for valuable time missed in the spring. Last season Carter was on the freshman team most of the season but gave the starters fits on the scout team in practice with his size and speed.
Tresaun Monroe, Palo Duro, 5-foot-9, 170 pound, So. RB
Head coach Chris Fisher will be looking for skill players to step up if his Dons want to make an impact in 2020. One player Fisher is extremely high on is incoming sophomore Tresaun Monroe. This will be Monroe’s first season on varsity but with his aggressiveness and leadership, Fisher is sold Monroe will make a smooth transition to the varsity game.
Amarillo High OL Kaden Carr. [Photo by John Moore/ Press Pass Sports]
Kaden Carr, Amarillo High, 6-foot-5, 260 pounds, So. OL
Look out for the fast growing Amarillo High incoming sophomore Kaden Carr. The younger brother of University of Hawaii commit, Tyler Carr, is a staggering 6-foot-5, 260 pounds that’s only 15-years old. Carr showed vast improvement for the Sandies last season playing in 11 games on varsity. A year older, a year bigger, not to mention a year stronger, and Carr will be a definite player to keep an eye on.
Joziah Balderrama, 6-foot-1, 190 pound, Jr. QB
The Longhorns seem to have their QB set for the next two years in Balderrama. Coming up from JV, it’s Balderrama’s leadership, work ethic and football IQ that gives head coach confidence to put the offense in incoming juniors hands. Sherwood adds that Balderrama has very impressive arm strength that will give Caprock ability to stretch the field.
Rolan Smith, River Road, 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, Jr. FB-LB
With Brandon Belcher graduated expect Smith, a 200 pound bruiser, to have an even bigger role in the Wildcats offense to compliment quarterback Lance Welps. Last season as a sophomore, Smith ran for 345 yards with three touchdowns. He’ll also be a big force on defense, making 52 tackles and a sack last season.
Colter Lynch, Panhandle, 6-foot-3, 235, So. OL
Great feet, great technique and mental toughness. Those are the words that Panhandle head coach Dane Ashley uses to describe the 6-foot-3 and still growing Lynch. The incoming sophomore had a solid freshman year starting in 10 games. Lynch is getting another full year to develop, grow and mature. This sophomore year could be something extremely special.
Trever Bell, Stratford, 6-foot-4, 180 pounds, Sr. WR-DB
Bell played a pivotal role during the Elks run to the Class 2A Division II state semifinals a year ago, however, look for his contributions to expand tremendously in 2020. Bell, the son of Adam Bell who led Stratford to the school’s first state title in 2000, is a versatile weapon that can play wide receiver, tight end and will be the backup QB. Defensively, Bell will see every snap in the secondary.
Jmaury Davis, Clarendon, 6-foot-2, 175 pound, So. RB-DB
The 6-foot-2 Davis makes up one of the more talented backfields in the Amarillo area with 1,000-yard back Sylvester Ballard. Davis was heavily relied on to make plays during his freshman season carrying the ball 35 times for 432 yards and five touchdowns. Clarendon coach Clint Conkin can’t wait to see what Davis does in year two. Conkin says Davis is explosive, strong and will be a big key to what the Broncos hope is a big year in 2020.